Mobile sink assembly

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a sink assembly formed from a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knock-down state and constructed to form an aesthetically pleasing sink assembly. The integrated connection of the side walls, front, back, and bottom panels and sink components simplifies the sink assembly construction. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for fasteners or connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of connectors by integrally forming the connectors into the panels which are snapped together to complete the assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a mobile sink assembly. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a portable or mobile sinkassembly utilizing injection molded plastic structural panels havingintegrally formed connectors. The sink assembly is capable of beingpackaged and shipped in a knock-down state and assembled into a secureand decorative sink and enclosure assembly without additional fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable or mobile sinks are very convenient for use wherever access toa water supply and drain facilities are not readily available. Portablesinks have been used in the past to facilitate the preparation of foodoutdoors and to provide washing and cleaning facilities for patients innursing homes and hospitals who do not have ready access to conventionalwashing facilities. It is also very beneficial if there is an areaadjacent the sink that can be used to store items related to the washingor cleaning to be done in the sink.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

An example of a portable sink is U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,438 which disclosesa mobile sink unit for use in a nursing home. The unit includes a freshwater reservoir, a gray water reservoir, a faucet assembly including acontrol valve, and a soap dispenser. The majority of the space in thesink enclosure is occupied by the fresh water tank and the gray watertank. Any items to be stored must be kept on the top surface of theenclosure. This area is very small as can be seen in the drawings. Theenclosure cabinet is formed from an open frame which is overlaid with asheet material. This type of structure is not subject to being knockeddown for shipment and assembly by the consumer at their location.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,715 discloses another type of mobile sink. This sinkis used in conjunction with a mobile cooking device. A water supply isconnected to the lower portion of the device to supply water to thefaucet adjacent the sink. The used water from the sink drains away fromthe device through an outlet hose. The device comprises a housing formedof front, back, side top and bottom walls which are permanentlyattached. This construction is also not subject to being knocked downfor shipment and assembly by the consumer.

Another type of portable sink is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,910.This sink is connected to a water supply to provide water for the sink.The drain empties onto the surface on which the sink is placed. This canlead to a messy and unhealthy situation. The sink enclosure has a drawerfor storage but this does not provide a large amount of storage space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable or mobile sink assembly formedfrom a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integratedconnectors. The panels and other components are capable of beingpackaged and shipped in a knock-down state and constructed to form anaesthetically pleasing sink and enclosure. The integrated connection ofthe side wall panels, back wall panel, front wall panel, bottom paneland sink components simplifies the construction of the sink assembly.The panels are formed from injection molded plastic so as to interlockwith one another without the need for separate fasteners or connectors.This assembly incorporates a minimum number of components by integrallyforming the connectors into the injection molded panels. The panels arethen snapped together to complete the assembly. This constructioneliminates the need for separate connectors or fasteners to assemble thesink assembly. Injection molding allows the panels to be formed with asingle wall having integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets forincreased rigidity when compared to blow molded or rotationally moldedassemblies. The same side wall and bottom panel components can be usedto create a variety of different assemblies useful for outdoorentertaining or cookouts. The assembly of these components requiresminimal hardware and a minimum number of hand tools.

The base, front wall and back wall panels have integrally formed,outwardly projecting bosses for interlocking engagement with the leftand right side wall panels. The left and right side wall panels areconstructed with integrally formed, inwardly contoured sockets forinterlocking, cooperative engagement with the bosses formed on the base,front wall and back wall panels. The engagement between the bosses andsockets serve to connect the panels together into a rigid and weatherresistant assembly.

The lower surface of the base panel includes a plurality of integrallyformed bosses which are constructed and arranged to cooperate withcasters to allow for easy movement of the sink assembly.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide amobile sink assembly composed of panels with integral connectors.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a mobilesink assembly composed of panels formed by injection molding whichprovide increased structural integrity of the assembly.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a mobilesink assembly wherein the side wall panels, front wall panel, back wallpanel, bottom panel and sink are integrally interlocked without the useof separate fasteners or connectors.

It is a still another objective of the invention to provide a mobilesink assembly constructed of modular panels which has an aestheticallypleasing appearance.

It is still a further objective of the invention to provide a mobilesink assembly which is capable of being packaged and shipped in aknock-down state and constructed into a secure assembly at a desiredsite.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the sink assembly of the instantinvention with a lid on the sink.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the sink assembly of the instantinvention with the lid removed from the sink.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the sink assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front planar view of the sink assembly of the instantinvention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the sink assembly with the faucetin the raised position.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the sink assembly of the instantinvention.

FIG. 8 is a rear planar view of the sink assembly.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the sink assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsillustrated.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate perspective and exploded views of the sinkassembly, generally referenced as 10, according to a preferredembodiment of the invention. In this preferred, albeit non-limiting,embodiment of the invention the sink assembly is formed from a pluralityof panels connected together. These panels include a base panel 100, aright side panel 200, a left side panel 300, a back panel 400, a frontpanel 500, and the sink 600. In the preferred embodiment the panels andthe sink are formed of, but not limited to, a suitable plastic such aspolystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene, through the process ofinjection molding. The result is that the panels which form the sinkassembly are formed as unitary single wall panels with integralconnectors and cross bracing. The sink 600 may be formed from materialsother than injection molded plastics. These materials include, but arenot limited to, cast plastics, fiberglass and metal.

The base panel is formed with a top surface 104, a bottom surface 106, afront edge 108, a back edge 110, a left edge 112 and a right edge 114(FIGS. 3 and 9). Integrally formed along the left and right base paneledges are a plurality of bosses 116 for attaching the base panel to theleft and right side panels. The bosses 116 extend outwardly from eachedge to cooperate with integrally formed sockets 210 which extendinwardly along the bottom portions 206 and 306 of the right and leftside panels respectively. Although only socket 210 of the left sidepanel is shown another integrally formed socket 210 extends along thebottom portion 306 of the right side panel. The bosses and sockets areconstructed and arranged so that the bosses 116 matingly engage thesockets 210 thereby securing the panels together in a perpendicular andinter-fitting engagement. Detent or spring lock fasteners 118 areintegrally formed on the bosses 116. Apertures 208 are formed in the endportions of sockets 210 (FIG. 3). The spring lock fasteners 118cooperate with the apertures 208 to secure the bosses in the sockets.Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the spring lock fasteners118 and socket apertures 208 can be used throughout the sink assembly tomount or secure components to one another and facilitate assembly of thesink assembly from an unassembled state without the use of tools. Theoverlapping boss 116 and socket 210 arrangement increases the structuralintegrity of the sink assembly by preventing panels 200, 300, 400 and500 from bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly and thus, adverselyaffecting the appearance or operation of the sink assembly. Also,integrally formed on the bottom of the base panel are ribs 202 andgussets 107 which add structural rigidity and strength to the base panel(FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 3 the left side panel is configured with a first edge312 and a second edge 314. Both edges include integrally formedelongated sockets 210 extending inwardly in a linear fashion along eachedge. The sockets 210 are generally constructed and arranged tocooperate with the bosses 116 provided along an edge of the back panel400 and the front panel 500. The top edge of the left side panel isprovided with an upstanding lip 315 integrally formed thereon. The lipcooperates with an underside portion of the sink 600 to facilitate theirmechanical connection. The interior surface of the left side panel isprovided with integrally formed ribs 202 which add structural rigidityand strength to the panel.

The right side panel is configured with a first edge 212 and a secondedge 214. Both edges include integrally formed elongated sockets 210extending inwardly in a linear fashion along each edge. The sockets 210are generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with the bosses 116provided along an edge of the back panel 400 and the front panel 500.The top edge of the right side panel is provided with an upstanding lip215 integrally formed thereon. The lip cooperates with an undersideportion of the sink 600 to facilitate their mechanical connection. Theinterior surface of the right side panel is provided with integrallyformed ribs 202 (not shown) which add structural rigidity and strengthto the panel.

The outer surface of the panels 200, 300, 400 and 500 are constructed asgenerally smooth and have a plurality of inwardly curved grooves 230integrally formed thereon for added strength, structural integrity andaesthetic appearance. The insides of the panels 200 and 300 are providedwith strengthening ribs 202 and seen in FIG. 3. The ribs add to thestructural integrity provided by the grooves 230. This increase instructural integrity prevents the panels 200, 300, 400 and 500 frombowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, adversely affecting theappearance or operation of the sink assembly. As illustrated hereinthese features are achieved by injection molding. Injection moldingoffers significant strength and stability advantages over blow-moldingor rotational molding as utilized in the prior art. In this manner thesink assembly of the present invention is capable of handling asignificant amount of weight and abuse as compared to prior art sinkassemblies.

The front panel 500 is attached to the left 300 and right 200 sidepanels by inserting the bosses 116, of the front panel, into the sockets210, of the left and right side panels, until the spring lock fasteners118 integrally formed on the bosses 116 engage the apertures 208 in thesockets of the left and right side panels.

Located below the front panel 500 is a door 502 which provided access toa storage area. The storage area comprises the space below the sink 600,above the base panel 100, between the right and left side panels 200 and300 and between the front and back panels 500 and 400. This area may beused for the storage of items used in conjunction with the sink or forother cleaning purposes. The door 502 is hingedly mounted to the basepanel and front panel by hinge pins 504 integrally formed on the door.The hinge pins fit into and cooperate with apertures 506 integrallyformed in the base panel and front panel to permit pivotal opening andclosing of the door. A handle 508 may also be provided on the door toassist the opening and closing thereof. The outer surface of the door502 is constructed as generally smooth and has a plurality of inwardlycurved grooves 230 integrally formed thereon for added strength,structural integrity and aesthetic appearance. These are similar togrooves 230 formed in the side, back and front panels.

The base panel 100 is attached to the right 200 and left 300 side panelsby inserting the bosses 116, integrally formed on the base panel, intosockets 210, integrally formed in the side panels, until the spring lockfasteners 118 engage the apertures 208 in the sockets of the left andright side panels (FIG. 3). The back panel 400 is attached to the rightand left side panels by inserting the elongated bosses 116, integrallyformed on the back panel, into the sockets 210, integrally formed in theside panels, until the spring lock fasteners 118 engage the apertures208 in the sockets of the left and right side panels. The front panel500 is attached to the right and left side panels by inserting theelongated bosses 116, integrally formed on the front panel, into sockets210, integrally formed in the side panels, until the spring lockfasteners 118 engage the apertures 208 in the sockets of the left andright side panels. It will be appreciated that the purpose of theelongated bosses 116 are to align the two joined panels in aperpendicular relationship and to facilitate their mechanicalconnection. This results in high structural integrity and reliableoperation.

Referring to FIG. 3 the attachment of the sink 600 will now bedescribed. A plurality of independently formed bosses 120 are insertedinto the sockets 210 formed at the upper ends of the first and secondedges of the right and left side panels. The spring lock fasteners 118on the bosses 120 engage the apertures 208 formed in the sockets 210.The sink is then placed over the top portion of the bosses which extendupwardly beyond the ends of the sockets 210 of the side panels. Thesetop portions of the bosses are inserted into sockets 210 (not shown)formed on the underside of the sink at each corner thereof. Spring lockfasteners 118 on the top portion of the bosses engage apertures 208 (notshown) formed in the sockets 210 formed in the sink. As shown in FIG. 3,each boss 120 has two spring lock fasteners 118 formed thereon, therebyassuring that each boss will be securely attached to both the side paneland the sink. An underlying portion of the sink is constructed andarranged to cooperate with the upstanding lips 215, 315, 415 and 515 ofthe right, left, back and front panels to align the joined elements in aperpendicular relationship and facilitate their mechanical connection.As a result the sink is securely attached to the other panels. When thesink 600 is formed by injection molding or casting, the sockets 210 areformed simultaneously therewith. The socket may also be machined or cutout of a previously cast or molded sink. Further, if the sink is formedfrom metal the sockets may be attached subsequently, as by welding, forexample.

The sink also includes a faucet 602 to supply water from a source to thesink. The faucet is pivoted between an upright, operative position asshown in FIG. 6 and a folded, inoperative position as shown in FIG. 3. Awater control valve 603 is located in the sink and separate from thefaucet, as shown in FIG. 3. A drain 604 is provided at the lowermostportion of the sink to remove the contents of the sink (FIG. 5). A drainhose (not shown) connects the drain to the outside of the sink assemblythrough an aperture 402 provided in a lower portion of the back panel400. As shown in FIG. 1, a cover 606 is constructed and arranged tocover the sink bowl so that the top portion of the sink assembly may beemployed as a work surface or storage area. The cover 606 is stored onthe back panel when the sink is in use (FIG. 7).

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 the back panel has integrally formedbosses 116 along the length of the left and right edges thereof. Thebosses have spring lock fasteners 118 integrally formed thereon. Theback panel is attached to the left and right side panels by insertingthe bosses 116, of the back panel, into the sockets 210, of the left andright side panels, until the spring lock fasteners 118 engage theapertures 208 formed in the sockets 210. The back panel is provided withan aperture 402 through which a drain hose may be positioned. Theopposite end of the drain hose is connected to the drain 604 of the sinkto provide a means to drain the fluids from the sink. The back panel isalso provided with a fitting 404 which is connectable to a source ofwater. The fitting is also connected to the faucet 602 via a means notshown.

A storage area for the sink cover 606 is provided on the back panel.Clips 608 (FIGS. 7 and 8) are positioned on the back panel to hold thesink cover in a vertical position adjacent the panel. The clips 608located on the upper portion of the back panel are flexible or springtype clips. The sink top is held in its storage position by these clipsand can be released therefrom by flexing the clips.

The perpendicular side, back, front and base panels are brought into anoverlapping relationship wherein the bosses 116 enter the correspondingsockets 210 in the right and left side panels respectively. The resultis a mechanically secure connection between the panels. The overlappingedges between the panels as described above provides a secureconnection, snap-together assembly and offers several advantages. First,the design allows the panels to be connected without the need forseparate connectors. Second, the design creates a positive lock whichprevents separation of the panels. Third, the design maintains alignmentof the panels in the same plane and prevents bowing or bending of eitherpanel relative to each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 casters 122 and caster bosses 124 areillustrated. The casters include a stem 126 that is constructed andarranged to cooperate with an aperture integrally formed into the lowersurface of the base panel. To attach the caster to the sink assembly,the stem 126 is inserted into the aperture of the boss 124 until aretaining ring snaps into a corresponding groove formed in the aperture.This results in a mechanically secure connection. The casters are alsoprovided with a manually engagable and releasable lock 130 to preventthe sink assembly from unwanted moves on sloped and uneven surfaces. Thelock prevents rotation of the casters when in its engaged position andpermits free rotation of the casters when in its disengaged position.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a shelf 710 is hingedly mounted on one orboth side panels of the sink assembly. Each shelf is provided with twohinges 724 and 726. These hinges are formed separately from the shelfand attached thereto with fasteners. The portion of the hinge whichengages the side panel is not attached thereto with fasteners. Hinge 724is provided with a fixed pin. A portion of the pin extends beyond thehinge. Hinge 726 is provided with a slidable pin. The slidable pin isbiased to its extended position by a spring. The portions of the fixedpin and slidable pin which extend beyond the hinges engage apertures 734formed in the edge portions of the side panels (FIG. 6). This provides ameans to attach the shelves to the side panels. Each shelf is alsoprovided with a plurality of supports hingedly mounted to a lowersurface of the shelf. If removal of the shelf is desired, the slidablepin is retracted into the hinge which in turn disengages the pin fromaperture 734 in the side panel. The shelf can now be pivoted downwardlydisengaging the fixed pin from aperture 734 in the side panel andtotally disengaging the shelf from the sink assembly. The location ofthe apertures 734 are identical on both the left and right side panelsso that the same shelf may be mounted on either side of the sinkassembly.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A sink assembly comprising: a left side panel for enclosing the leftside of said sink assembly; a right side panel for enclosing the rightside of said sink assembly; a base panel for enclosing the bottom ofsaid sink assembly; a back panel for enclosing the back of said sinkassembly; a front panel for enclosing the front of said sink assembly;and a sink for enclosing the top of said sink assembly; said base panelis adapted to receive means to provide mobility to said sink assembly;whereby said base panel, said left panel, said right panel, said backpanel, said front panel and said sink are constructed and arranged forsnap-together assembly without additional fasteners; wherein said sinkassembly can be shipped in a disassembled state and assembled on adesired site.
 2. The sink assembly of claim 1 where in at least one ofsaid left side panel and said right side panel includes; a bottomportion having at least one integrally formed socket constructed andarranged to cooperate with said base panel in an overlapping andinterlocking manner; a top edge having an upwardly extending lipconstructed and arranged to cooperate with said sink in an underlyingmanner; a first edge having at least one integrally formed elongatedsocket for connection to said front panel in a perpendicularrelationship; a second edge having at least one integrally formedelongated socket for connection to said back panel in a perpendicularrelationship; an inner surface; and an outer surface.
 3. The sinkassembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one elongated socket formed onsaid first edge is constructed and arranged to interlockingly engage acorresponding at least one boss formed into said front panel resultingin a mechanically secure connection therebetween and wherein said atleast one elongated socket formed on said second edge is constructed andarranged to interlockingly engage a corresponding at least one bossformed into said back panel resulting in a mechanically connectiontherebetween.
 4. The sink assembly of claim 3 wherein each of saidbosses includes at least one spring lock fastener integrally formedthereto, said spring lock fastener is constructed and arranged tocooperate with at least one aperture integrally formed into saidsockets; wherein said at least one spring lock fastener engages at leastone side wall of said aperture for interlocking engagement therewith. 5.The sink assembly of claim 1 wherein said base panel includes; a topsurface constructed and arranged to provide a rigid and generally flatsurface; a bottom surface constructed and arranged to provide rigidityand stability to said preparation station; a front closed edge and arear closed edge; a left edge and a right edge, each having at least oneintegrally formed boss arranged in a linear fashion and extendingoutwardly from said left and said right edges, said at least one bossconstructed and arranged to cooperate with at least one inwardlyextending socket integrally formed into a lower portion of said left andsaid right panels for interlocking engagement therewith.
 6. The sinkassembly of claim 5 wherein each of said bosses includes at least onespring lock fastener integrally formed thereto, said at least one springlock fastener is constructed and arranged to cooperate with at least oneaperture integrally formed into said sockets; wherein said at least onespring lock fastener engages at least one side wall of said aperture forinterlocking engagement therewith.
 7. The sink assembly of claim 5wherein said bottom surface of said base panel includes at least fourintegrally formed caster bosses; each of said caster bosses isconstructed and arranged to cooperate with a caster for securementthereof without additional fasteners; whereby said sink assembly ismoveably supported upon said casters.
 8. The preparation station ofclaim 7 wherein at least one of said casters includes a manuallyengageable lock; wherein said lock is constructed and arranged toprevent rotation of said caster while said lock is in an engagedposition and allow free rotation of said caster when said lock is in adisengaged position.
 9. The sink assembly of claim 1 further including adoor positioned on the front of said sink assembly, said door extendingbetween said left panel and said right panel, said door extendingupwardly between said base panel and said front panel, said door beinghingedly secured to said base panel and said front panel, whereby accessis provided to the interior of said sink assembly below said sink. 10.The sink assembly of claim 2 wherein said sink includes a socket formedon the bottom thereof and at each corner; said left and said right sidewalls include a socket integrally formed at the top portion of saidfirst and said second edges; and further including a plurality of bossesconstructed and arranged to cooperate with the sockets formed in saidsink and in said side walls for interlocking engagement therewith. 11.The sink assembly of claim 10 wherein each of said bosses includes atleast one spring lock fastener integrally formed thereto; said at leastone spring lock fastener is constructed and arranged to cooperate withat least one aperture integrally formed into said sockets; whereby saidat least one spring lock fastener engages at least one side wall of saidat least one aperture for interlocking engagement therewith.
 12. Thesink assembly of claim 1 wherein said sink includes a faucet, a drain,and a cover; said faucet is pivotable between an operative position anda stored position; said drain is adapted to be connected to a drainhose; said cover is constructed and arranged to cover the bowl portionof the sink when placed thereon; and said back panel includes means tosecure said cover thereto when said cover is removed from said sink. 13.The sink assembly of claim 1 further including a shelf hingedly mountedto an upper portion of said right or said left side panel; wherein saidshelf is pivotable between a vertical stored position and a horizontaloperational position.
 14. The sink assembly of claim 1 wherein the meansto provide mobility to said sink assembly comprises casters mounted tosaid base panel.
 15. The sink assembly of claim 14 wherein at least oneof said casters include a releasable lock.